Crunch time for hopefuls

Jessica Lloyd (left) and Jessica Fullalove, pictured clutching their European Junior Championship medals, are targeting a place in Team GB.

Swimming:

OLDHAM swimmers Jessica Lloyd and Jessica Fullalove are likely to find out in March whether they have secured a dream passage to the 2012 Olympics.

The dynamic duo, who clinched gold in the European Junior Championships last year, have both represented Great Britain over the last 12 months and will be hoping to continue their impressive form as the road to London reaches its conclusion.

At the British Championships in the first week of March, only the top two competitors in each category are guaranteed selection, and even then will only make the cut if they achieve fast enough times, which are established before the competition.

Lloyd’s chances are aided by the fact the 16-year-old’s main event is freestyle, which requires four swimmers for Olympic relay.

Her mum Ann said: “Competition is tight for places in the London 2012 squad, although at least the four relay spots open it up a bit for Jessica.

“However, if this has come around too soon for her, she will focus fully on Rio 2016. Time is on her side. And let’s face it, we would all love a couple of weeks in the Rio sunshine!”

Fullalove is the UK’s fifth-fastest 15 year old in 100m backstroke, but the March trials are open-age, so she faces a stern test.

But dad Rod said she has nothing to lose. He added: “Rio in four years’ time might be more achievable, but London is a possibility.

“Jessica is going to give it her best shot and see how far it gets her. Whatever happens, the future looks bright. Both girls recently spent 10 days in Tenerife with City of Manchester Aquatics.

“Even though it was club training, it was carried out with the onus on helping those hoping for Olympics selection to stay in good shape. That way, when the Great Britain events come around, they have had the best possible preparation.”